Feb 12

Feb 12 FRINGE REVIEW: "Campfire" blends majestic acrobatics with magnetic mateship

This last weekend, I planned my first overnight hike in the Stirling Ranges with some of my boys. It’s been a few years since we all went camping, so I thought I had better prep the only way I know how: By seeing a frenetic, high-energy circus slapstick action delivered in a potent programme of survival in the outback against a horrifying force.

As the lights come up in the Golddigger and the dark, vibey soundtrack kicks in, we are introduced to my personal favourite part of the night in a spooky, slithering short king reminder of the ‘Horror’ tag on this show (Michael McDonald). This hairy, muscular bestial little freak slinks with an eldritch menace from the back curtains out into the edges of the thrust stage, before making his way to the centre and begins to put on an incredible static trapeze display.

This dark and brooding intro makes way for two much brighter aspects - the twin handsome & hilarious hearts of our story, portrayed by the talented Griffin Hooper and Louis Green. There's some entertaining slapstick and potent physical performance showing the true bond between the two, before we get to see some brilliant riffing on horror tropes later in this performance. It’s all lit beautifully, and in the cozy, intimate tent of the Golddigger, the production makes use of really inspired soundtracking. As the two chums show the best that bro culture can offer, the union gets built up and shows off two distinct flavours of himbo. After some charmingly wholesome laughs, you would be remiss to forget about the whole gymnastic element of the show, but there are some strong reminders yet to come. There are still plenty of high-flying stunts, tightly choreographed sequences set to banger songs and a close examination of tight friendship through the himbos x hellion dynamic to come.

The team filled their tight 60-minute block full of unique and extremely impressive feats that share a lovely warmth at some points, utterly wow in others, all whilst expanding on those stronger horror roots of the story. You will find yourself cheering, laughing and awestruck at the spectacular power and control these performers have over their bodies. There's a beautiful, genuine energy in how present the guys are here, and that live feeling that can only be conveyed through spectacular stunts in a small space is utterly magnetic.

If you, like me, are up for a showing of majestic gymnastic prowess, or into a beautiful portrayal of magnetic mateship, or a fresh and fun physical theatre night out, this show is a must-watch. Sit in the front row, if you can get in early enough, and you’ll be amazed at how well these performers can flip, tumble and float around just inches from your face.

I left the show with a happy, full heart and with a newfound respect & appreciation for scary little guys. If you have any that could be free to stalk my friends and I for a weekend out bush, please reach out. Thanks to Split Focus for putting on such a delightful performance.